Photogravure Etching by Saudi Artist Ahmed Mater in "Voyage to Heart of Islam" at British Museum

AFP

A photogravure etching by Saudi artist Ahmed Mater called "Magnetism"
that depicts the Kaaba in Mecca (AFP/British Museum, Ahmed Mater)

SAUDIA ARABIA - It is a rite that all followers of Islam are supposed to perform at least once in a lifetime, yet for the rest of the globe the hajj is veiled in mystery. Now the British Museum in London has opened the first ever major exhibition on the pilgrimage, to give non-Muslims a glimpse of the heart of this world religion. "This exhibition is for everybody, Muslims and non-Muslims, everyone who wants to know more about this extraordinary phenomenon, which is one of the great religious manifestation of the world," said Neil MacGregor, the director of the museum. "Hajj is the only part of the practice of islam that non-Muslims can't see. The hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be performed at least once in a lifetime by all those who are able to. It takes place during the last month of the Islamic year known as Dhu'l Hijja. Muslims believe the Kaaba was built by Abraham and his son Ishmael. "Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam" runs until April 15. [link]